Food Security Resources

Connecting Students With Emergency and Long-Term Sustainable Access to Nutritious Foods

The CARES Center works to support food security for Kent State students. We work collaboratively with students and campus and community partners with the goal of  connecting students' long-term sustainable food resources that meet their current needs. We assist students facing a range of difficulties, from immediate emergency need to ongoing hardships accessing sustainable nutritious food.  

Basic Needs Assistance Form

Campus Resources

Flashes Food Pantry

Location and Hours: The Flashes Food Pantry will close at 3 pm on Dec. 16, 2022, for winter break. Students will be able to make reservations for Jan. 20, 2023, starting on Jan. 17, 2023.

  • Suite 106 of the Kent Student Center 
  • Reservations can be made between 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
  • Drop-ins are welcome from 1 - 3 p.m.

Pantry Guidelines:

  • Students receive 15 points to use in the pantry.
  • Pantry items range in value from 1 to 10 points. 
  • Students can visit the pantry up to 2 times a month.
  • If a student is unable to come to their reservation, they must cancel their reservation. 
  • Students can use the link below to make a reservation at the Flashes’ Food Pantry

Make a Reservation at the FlasheS' Food Pantry


Flashes Fighting Hunger Weekly Food Pantry

Flashes Fighting Hunger is a student-powered and volunteer-driven organization dedicated to reducing food waste and promoting food security. They provide our fresh items and baked goods for our Fresh Food Fridays at the Flashes' Food Pantry. Follow this link to connect with Flashes Fighting Hunger to learn more about their many initiatives.


Swipe Out Hunger Emergency Meal Swipes

Through a partnership with Swipe Out Hunger and University Culinary Services, students can donate up to 2 meal swipes to our virtual meal swipe bank on through the student dashboard tab on FlashLine. Students in need of emergency meal swipes can then request up to 5 Swipe Out Hunger emergency meal swipes on FlashLine. These meal swipes can be used at Eastway and the Design Innovation Hub dining locations.

 

Community Resources

Brimfield Community Cupboard - Kent, Ohio

Website: Use this link to get more information about the Brimfield Community Cupboard an Akron Canton Food Bank partner.
Phone Number: 234-817-1284
Location: Follow this link to get directions to the Brimfield Community Cupboard.


Catholic Charities

Website: Use this link to find a Catholic Charities location in your county.
Location Information:


Celiac and Allergy Friendly Food Initiative (CAFFI) –Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Website: Use this link to get more information about CAFFI.
Pantry Dates: Visit the CAFFI Facebook page for pantry dates.
Phone Number: 330-603-7644
Location: 116 Tallmadge Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio


Center of Hope – Ravenna, Ohio

Website: Use this link to get more information about the Amelia DiGirolamo Center for Hope.
Phone Number: 330-297-5454
Location: 1081 W. Main St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266


Church of Christ Ravenna Food Pantry – Ravenna, Ohio

Website: Use this link to get more information about the Food Pantry at Church of Christ Ravenna.
Phone Number: 330-296-3637
Location: 3897 Summit Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266


Friendship Alliance Church: Mobile Food Pantry – Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Website: Use this link to learn more about the Mobile Food Pantry
Phone Number: 440-834-0955
Location:  19126 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023


Kent Social Services: Hot Meals & Food Pantry – Kent, Ohio

Website: Use this link to learn more about Kent Social Services hot meals and food pantry services.
Phone: 330-673-6963
Location: 1066 South Water Street, Kent, Ohio 44266


Lydia’s Apron Food Pantry at St. Stephan Community Church. – Stow, Ohio

Website: Use this link to learn more about Lydia’s Apron Food Pantry.
Phone Number: 330-688-7213
Location: 3725 Kent Road, Stow, Ohio 4424


Portage County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Website: Use this link to learn more about Portage County’s WIC program.
Phone Number: 715-345-5350 option 6


Riverwood Community Chapel | Akron Canton Food Bank – Kent, Ohio

Website: Use this link to learn more about Riverwood Community Chapel’s food pantry.
Phone Number: 330-678-7000
Location: 1407 Fairchild Ave., Kent, Ohio 44240


Salvation Army: Portage County Corps – Food and Nutrition Programs

Website: Use this link to learn more about Salvation Army Portage County Corps - Food and Nutrition Programs.
Phone Number: 330-296-8450
Location: 268 W. Main Street, Ravenna, Ohio